COLLEGE LACROSSE: Princeton clinches spot in Ivy tourney

PRINCETON — The Princeton men’s lacrosse team went into Friday night’s game against Harvard needing a win to avoid a win-or-go-home scenario against No. 7 Cornell next Saturday at MetLife Stadium.

Having suffered a bad loss last Saturday against Dartmouth, the Tigers could have found themselves out of the Ivy League tournament with loses to the Crimson and Big Red. Instead, Princeton rallied to roll past Harvard, 14-6, at the Class of 1952 Stadium, clinching a spot in the Ivy tourney.

“Our guys needed this,” coach Chris Bates said of the comprehensive win. “We needed to feel good, and we handled this game very well. It was a clear victory for us, and it gives us some confidence. The slice of humble pie last week was good, and hopefully we can carry that forward.”

Bates made a major move before the game, starting sophomore goalkeeper Eric Sanschagrin over freshman regular Matt O’Connor. Despite having just one career start — last season in a 13-7 win over Manhattan — Sanschagrin was rock solid in the Tigers’ cage, saving eight Crimson shots.

“We have great faith in Matt, but Eric has consistently been a high-percentage stopper,” said Bates, who has yet to make a decision on which goalie will start against Cornell. “Matt has struggled the past few games making saves, and we needed a spark. We felt he gave us the best chance to win.”

A Southern California native, Sanschagrin credited his time on the team’s practice squad prepared him for the opportunity — as he had to compete against Princeton’s potent offense every day.

“Seeing consistently great shooters all day, every day, that makes you better,” he said.

“That helps with the comfort factor right away,” he said. “It’s a good feeling, when the team supports you.”

Harvard was able to pull the score to 5-3 by the end of the first quarter, but one of the goals came off a botched clearance and another came on a fast break just before the quarter expired.

In the game’s middle periods, the Princeton offense did a very good job of controlling possession and getting quality shots. By the end of the third, the Tigers had stretched the lead to 12-3.

“We challenged our offense pretty hard this week,” Bates said. “We felt they let us down against Dartmouth. We were clear about that, and they accepted that responsibility. They came out with something to prove.”

Princeton was lead by sophomore Mike MacDonald, who scored four goals. Both Froccaro brothers also had big nights, as senior Jeff tallied two goals and two assists and freshman Jake added three goals and two assists.

“It’s very rare when Jeff has a big game and we lose,” Bates said.

In addition to being a virtual must-win, the game was also Senior Day. That made the win that much sweeter.

“Whether or not this is our last game at Class of 1952, I’m pleased that on senior night they were able to win this,” Bates said. “It’s fitting for those guys.”

The Tigers may get another home game, however, as they are still alive in the race to host the Ivy tournament — an honor that goes to the team with the best record in the league. If Cornell loses to Brown Saturday, next week’s matchup will determine whether the tournament is in Princeton or Ithaca.

“It has implications for the Ivy Tournament depending on what happens tomorrow, but regardless it’d be a big win,” Bates said about the Big Red. “It’d give us another big win on our schedule come selection time.”